Husqvarna SC18 Instruction manual

Workshop Manual
SC18 Sod Cutter
Removing Turf
Has Never Been Easier

Husqvarna Turf Care
700 Park Street
Beatrice, NE 68310
FX: 1.800.254.2473
Husqvarna Sod Cutter Workshop Manual P/N : 109869
Rev 1, 10/01/03

Service Manual
Sod Cutter SC-18
Contents Page
Introduction …………………………………………………………………. 3
Features & Controls ………………………………………………………… 6
Operating Instructions, Safety & Maintenance …………………………….. 7
Specifications & Tools ……………………………………………………… 13
Main Frame
1. Handle Attachment …………………………………………………… 14
2. Throttle Cable Adjustment …………………………………………… 15
Power Train
1. Axle Sprocket Location ……………………………………………… 16
2. Belt Keeper …………………………………………………………… 16
3. Chain Idler ……………………………………………………………. 16
4. Chain Routing & Adjustment ………………………………………… 17
5. Engine Removal ………………………………………………………. 17
6. Upper Pulley Location ………………………………………………... 18
7. Sprocket Location …………………………………………………….. 18
8. Transmission Adjustment & Replacement ...…………………………. 19
Blade Drive
1. Blade Drive Assembly ……………………………………….………... 20
2. Belt Tension …………………………………………………………... 20
3. Blade Arm Replacement ………………………………………………. 21
4. Lower Pulley ………………………………………………………….. 21
5. Bearing & Lock Collar ……………………………………………….. 22
6. “T” Drive Replacement ………………………………………………. 23
Depth Control
1. Depth Control ………………………………………………………… 30
Illustrated Parts Lists ………………………………………………………… 31
Troubleshooting …………………………………………………………….. 35
2

SOD CUTTING
Sod cutting cuts out existing sod by slicing a layer of soil with the grass and roots so it can be
rolled up and removed. Some applications could be for replacing a type of grass, turf removal,
adding a sidewalk or pathway, installing swimming pools or laying pipes or sprinklers. The usual
cutting depth is about 1 1/2 inches but can be used as deep as 2 1/2 inches. This application is
ideal for brick laying. The advantage in using a sod cutter is that it does not disturb the soil
beneath the cut.
PRODUCT FEATURES
Husgvarna's Sod Cutter has a four-speed transmission (two for cutting) with power reverse. The
cutting path is 18 inches wide. Low speed will cut 175 ft /min while second gear will cut 250
ft/min. The construction is of 7-gauge steel with l0-inch tractor tires and four-wheel drive.
The unit comes fully assembled except for the handle.
HANDLE ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
•Insert one side of the handle into the tube located in front of the large black rubber handle
mount. Make sure to keep the rubber sleeve on the standoff located on the handle.
•Spread the handle apart so that you can insert the other side of the handle in the same
manner as stated in step number one.
•Using the four 8 mm x 18 mm (Grd. 8) bolts, lockwashers and flat washers (flat washers
against the handle and lockwasher on top). Bolt the handle into the large black rubber
handle mount and tighten securely with Loctite.
•DO NOT CROSS THREAD THE BOLTS!
•Place the depth handle into the "U" brackets on the main handle and secure with the 5/16"
clevis pins and "C" clips.
•Attach the throttle cable to the clutch handle using the fasteners located on the cable
assembly as illustrated in Figure 1, making sure that the cable pivots freely after you have
tightened the bolts.
•The throttle cable needs to be hooked up to the throttle control handle, make sure the cable
pivots after tightening. Adjust tension if necessary.
*See Throttle Assembly in the Power Train Section for complete installation instructions.
SC18 Sod Cutter
Introduction
3

OPERATOR TIPS
•Soil conditions will affect the cutting depth. The ground may need pre-watering. Watering
the day before should be sufficient. .
•The grass should be dry to provide adequate traction.
•There are 4 transport speeds, only 2 cutting speeds. Always use 1 cutting speed until the
operator is familiar with the unit.
•Terminate cuts by disengaging the engagement handle and driving out of the ground by
holding the throttle open.
•Cut downhill on unleveled soil. Do not operate on hills exceeding 35% grade.
•Do not attempt sharp turns with the sod cutter. Do not attempt turns while on a hill.
•Run the unit while in transport, utilizing the reverse, to prevent premature tire wear on
cement and concrete.
BEFORE STARTING
•Make sure engine oil is at the manufacturer's recommended level.
•The reduction gearbox connected to the engine must be filled with oil per Honda owner's
manual. Both take lOw 30 oil.
•Place shift lever in neutral and raise blade before starting engine.
•Mark sprinkler heads and remove unwanted debris before using.
LOADING THE SOD CUTTER
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LIFT THE SOD CUTTER (320 pounds). The rental rate includes 2
ramps to load the unit into a truck or trailer. The unit can be driven on and off the truck by use of
the low gears, forward and reverse. Secure unit in truck or trailer.
SOD CUTTER OPERATION
•With engine running, put sod cutter in gear and lower blade by pulling back on
engagement handle.
•Only cut in the lowest two speeds as indicated by the scissors icon on the machine.
•Stop before shifting gears.
•The unit has a centrifugal clutch so the machine will not move until the throttle is
increased to above 1800 rpm. The maximum engine rpm is 3000.
•After cutting a few feet, stop unit to check depth of cut.
•Cut only deep enough to keep the sod intact and not damage the roots.
•The depth can be adjusted by turning the depth control knob clockwise for thin and
counterclockwise for thicker cut.
SC18 Sod Cutter
Introduction
4